Anne Jane Cupples facts for kids
Anne Jane Cupples (born 4 January 1839 – died 14 November 1896) was a Scottish writer. She was known for making science easy to understand for everyone. Anne Jane married the famous writer George Cupples, who wrote many stories about the sea. After he passed away, she moved to New Zealand to live with her sisters. She wrote about 50 books, mostly for children, using the name Mrs George Cupples.
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Anne Jane's Early Life and Family
Anne Jane Douglas was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on January 4, 1839. She was the third of seven children. Her parents were Archibald Douglas and Caroline Montague Douglas.
When Anne Jane was 19, in 1858, she married George Cupples. He was 36 years old and a well-known writer. He also bred Scotch deerhounds, a type of large dog.
In 1859, Anne Jane's father died. Her mother then moved to New Zealand as planned. There, she started a small school near Dunedin. Anne Jane stayed in Scotland, but one of her brothers later joined their mother in New Zealand.
Anne Jane's Writing Career
Anne Jane Cupples' first book, Unexpected Pleasures or, Left Alone in the Holidays, came out in 1868. She was 29 years old at the time. She and her husband had been married for ten years. She may have started writing for children because she didn't have her own.
In 1869, she published a longer book for boys called Norrie Seton or, Driven to Sea. This story might have been inspired by her husband's difficult teenage years. He had worked on a sailing ship traveling between Britain and India.
Mrs. Cupples wrote many other books. Some of her popular titles include Bill Marlin's Tales of the Sea (1867), Tappy's chicks (1872), and The children's voyage (1873). She also wrote Fables: illustrated stories from real life (1874-75). Many of her books were published by T. Nelson & Sons in London. These included Alice Leighton, Carry's Rose, and Hugh Wellwood's Success.
Working with Charles Darwin
Anne Jane Cupples wrote to the famous scientist Charles Darwin in 1870. She asked for his help to get a government pension for her husband.
Later, Darwin wrote back to her. He was interested in her observations about how dogs show emotions. He even encouraged the Royal Literary Fund to support Anne Jane and her husband financially.
Anne Jane's Social Work
Anne Jane Cupples was also involved in social work. She helped start a school for orphaned boys and girls from Glasgow. This school was built with money from the public. It was located near Aberfoyle.
She was also a member of the committee for the YWCA in Edinburgh. The YWCA is an organization that helps young women.
Anne Jane's Later Life
George Cupples died in 1891 when he was 69 years old. Three years later, Anne Jane decided to move to New Zealand. She wanted to live with her unmarried sisters, Margaret and Caroline Douglas.
She sailed from Plymouth on a ship called RMS Gothic. She arrived in Port Chalmers, New Zealand, on November 14, 1894. She lived with her sisters in Mosgiel, near Dunedin, for the next four years.
Anne Jane also published a large book about dogs. It was based on her husband's research and was called Scotch Deer hounds and their Masters.
Anne Jane and George Cupples are buried together. Their grave is in Dalry Cemetery in Edinburgh.
Anne Jane's Books
Anne Jane Cupples wrote many books, especially for young readers. Here are some examples of her fiction and other works:
Fiction Books
- Unexpected Pleasures; or, Left alone in the holidays. 1868.
- Norrie Seton; or, Driven to sea. 1869.
- Carry's Rose; or, the Magic of kindness. 1869.
- Alice Leighton; or, a Good name is rather to be chosen than riches. 1870.
- The Story of our Doll. 1870.
- Bill Marlin's Tales of the Sea. 1870.
- Tappy's chicks and other links between nature and human nature. 1872.
- The Children's Voyage; or, a Trip in the Water Fairy. 1873.
- Fables illustrated by stories from real life. 1874.
- The Cockatoo's Story. 1881.
Other Works
- The stocking-knitter's manual. 1868.
- A Knitting-Book of Counterpanes. 1871.
- A Book about House Work. 1877.
